2 Chronicles 6:25

KJV

Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then hear {H8085} thou from the heavens {H8064}, and forgive {H5545} the sin {H2403} of thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, and bring them again {H7725} unto the land {H127} which thou gavest {H5414} to them and to their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

hear from heaven, forgive the sin of your people Isra'el, and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel. May You restore them to the land You gave to them and their fathers.

American Standard Version

then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:25 is a specific petition within King Solomon's expansive prayer of dedication for the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse addresses a hypothetical yet frequently realized scenario for ancient Israel: defeat by an enemy, leading to oppression or exile. Solomon implores God to hear the lament of His people from heaven, to pardon their sin, and to restore them to the promised land, which was a foundational element of God's covenant with their ancestors. It encapsulates the interconnectedness of sin, judgment, divine mercy, and the hope of restoration through repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of King Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the Temple, recorded in [2 Chronicles 6:12-42](/2-chronicles/6-12 "2 Chronicles 6:12-42 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following a general invocation and affirmation of God's faithfulness, Solomon transitions into a series of conditional petitions, each beginning with "If..." or "When..." (e.g., [2 Chronicles 6:24](/2-chronicles/6-24 "2 Chronicles 6:24 - Defeat and Repentance")). He systematically anticipates various calamities that might befall Israel due to disobedience—military defeat, drought, famine, plague, pestilence—and for each, he pleads for God's intervention upon the people's repentance and prayer directed towards the Temple. Verse 25 specifically focuses on the aftermath of military defeat and subsequent captivity or oppression, highlighting the profound national yearning for return to their ancestral land. This structure underscores the Temple's role as a focal point for prayer, repentance, and divine encounter, even when the people are far from it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, military defeat was often interpreted as a sign of a deity's displeasure or weakness. For Israel, however, it was understood within the framework of the Mosaic Covenant: obedience brought blessing (including security in the land), while disobedience led to curses, including defeat and exile (cf. [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The "land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers" refers to the land promised to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")), which was central to Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The prayer acknowledges the real possibility of national sin and its consequences, while simultaneously appealing to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and mercy.

* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes emerge from [2 Chronicles 6:25](/2-chronicles/6-25 "2 Chronicles 6:25 - Prayer for Restoration after Defeat"). Firstly, **Divine Hearing and Forgiveness** is paramount; Solomon's plea, "hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin," stresses God's transcendence and His active attentiveness to the prayers of His repentant people. This highlights the belief that God is not distant but intimately involved in the affairs of His covenant community. Secondly, **Restoration to the Land** is a central motif. The desire to "bring them again unto the land" signifies not merely a physical return but a restoration of national well-being, covenant blessings, and a renewed relationship with God. The land was inextricably linked to Israel's identity and their unique status as God's chosen people. Thirdly, **Repentance as a Prerequisite** is implicitly but powerfully present. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the broader context of Solomon's prayer (e.g., [2 Chronicles 6:24](/2-chronicles/6-24 "2 Chronicles 6:24 - The Condition of Repentance")) and God's later response ([2 Chronicles 7:14](/2-chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing")) clearly establishes that divine intervention and restoration are contingent upon the people turning back to God and confessing their sins. Finally, the verse underscores **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that even in the face of Israel's potential failure and subsequent judgment, Solomon appeals to God's unwavering commitment to His promises made to their forefathers regarding the land and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This word signifies more than mere auditory reception; it implies attentive listening followed by a responsive action. When God "hears" in a biblical context, it means He acknowledges, understands, and is moved to act on behalf of the one praying. Here, it emphasizes God's sovereign attentiveness from His heavenly dwelling to the cries of His people on earth.
* **Forgive (Hebrew, _salach'_):** This term is almost exclusively used in the Old Testament to describe God's unique act of pardoning sin. It denotes a complete and gracious remission of guilt, a divine prerogative that no human can exercise. Its use here highlights God's mercy and His willingness to cleanse His people from their transgressions, which are understood as the root cause of their suffering.
* **Bring them again (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** This verb is rich with meaning, carrying the dual sense of physical "return" (to the land) and spiritual "repentance" or "turning back" (to God). In prophetic literature, these two aspects are often intertwined, suggesting that true return to the land is predicated on a spiritual turning back to God. Here, it encapsulates the hope for both physical restoration and spiritual renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then hear thou from the heavens":** This opening clause establishes the transcendent nature of God, whose dwelling place is "the heavens," distinct from the earthly Temple, yet whose attention is directed towards those who pray to Him. It is a plea for divine attentiveness and intervention, acknowledging God's sovereignty and omnipotence.
* **"and forgive the sin of thy people Israel":** This directly links the people's suffering (implied by the preceding context of defeat) to their "sin." It is a confession that their predicament is a consequence of their disobedience, and a humble request for God's unique act of pardon. This forgiveness is the necessary precursor to any true restoration.
* **"and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers":** This final clause expresses the ultimate hope for physical and national restoration. The "land" is not just territory; it is the promised inheritance, a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and blessing. The phrase "which thou gavest to them and to their fathers" serves as an appeal to God's enduring covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reminding God of His own commitment to His people and their heritage.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 6:25, within the broader prayer, employs several significant literary devices. **Petition** is the overarching device, as Solomon repeatedly supplicates God for specific interventions. The verse itself is a direct plea, demonstrating a posture of humble dependence. **Covenant Language** is evident in the reference to "the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers," directly echoing the Abrahamic covenant and reminding God of His foundational promises. The structure of Solomon's prayer, including this verse, is a series of **Conditional Clauses** (implied in v. 25 by the preceding context of "if they sin against you"), where divine action is contingent upon human repentance and prayer. This creates a framework of cause and effect, emphasizing moral responsibility. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of themes like "hear," "forgive," and "bring back" across the various scenarios in the prayer reinforces the core message of God's mercy and willingness to restore upon repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:25 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical understanding of sin, judgment, and divine restoration. It underscores the profound truth that human sin has real consequences, leading to brokenness, suffering, and separation from God's intended blessings. Yet, it simultaneously proclaims God's boundless mercy and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. The verse teaches that God is not only just in allowing consequences for sin but also compassionate and ready to forgive when His people humble themselves, confess their transgressions, and turn back to Him. The restoration to the land symbolizes a holistic renewal—physical, spiritual, and national—a return to a state of blessing and communion with God. This principle of repentance leading to restoration is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating God's consistent character as both righteous judge and merciful redeemer.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-5](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-5 - Return from Exile upon Repentance")
* [Psalm 106:44-46](/psalms/106-44 "Psalm 106:44-46 - God's Compassion Despite Israel's Sin")
* [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promise of Return and Finding God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 6:25 offers timeless principles that resonate deeply with believers today, whether individually or corporately. It reminds us that God is a God who hears. No matter how dire our circumstances, how far we feel from His presence, or how deep our despair, we can confidently cry out to Him, knowing that He listens from His heavenly throne. This verse also powerfully illustrates the pathway to restoration: it begins with acknowledging our sin and turning to God in genuine repentance. Just as Israel’s defeat was linked to their disobedience, our own struggles often stem from our departure from God's ways. However, God's grace is always greater than our sin. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us ([1 John 1:9](/1-john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins")). This promise extends beyond personal failings to communal and societal brokenness. When communities or nations humble themselves and seek God's face, there is always hope for divine intervention, healing, and restoration, guiding us back to His intended path of blessing and wholeness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or our community's life, might we need to humble ourselves and seek God's forgiveness for sin?**
* **How does the concept of God "hearing from the heavens" encourage or challenge my personal prayer life?**
* **What does "restoration to the land" mean for believers today, beyond a physical return?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as the church, embody the principles of repentance and seeking God's face in times of difficulty?**

### FAQ
**Why does Solomon pray for hypothetical situations like military defeat and exile?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer is remarkably prescient and comprehensive. He prays for hypothetical situations not because he anticipates Israel's immediate downfall, but because he understands the nature of the covenant and the human propensity to stray. The Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) clearly outlined the consequences of disobedience, including defeat and exile. Solomon, inspired by divine wisdom, is essentially building a "spiritual insurance policy" into the Temple's dedication. He is establishing a pattern for future generations, teaching them that even in the darkest times, when they face the consequences of their sin, the Temple (and by extension, God Himself) remains the focal point for repentance, prayer, and the hope of restoration. This foresight highlights his deep understanding of God's justice and mercy, and Israel's spiritual vulnerability.

**What is the significance of God hearing "from the heavens" when the prayer is directed towards the Temple?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's transcendence and omnipresence. While the Temple is God's chosen dwelling place on earth, a place where His glory resides and where His people can meet with Him, God Himself is not confined to any building. He dwells "in the heavens," signifying His supreme sovereignty, infinite power, and ability to hear prayers from anywhere. Solomon explicitly states earlier in his prayer that "the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have built!" ([2 Chronicles 6:18](/2-chronicles/6-18 "2 Chronicles 6:18 - God's Transcendence")). Therefore, hearing "from the heavens" emphasizes that God's power and attentiveness are not limited by the physical Temple, but rather the Temple serves as a designated, consecrated point of access for His people to appeal to their transcendent God. It underscores that true prayer is directed to the Almighty, not just to a structure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:25, with its plea for forgiveness and restoration to the land after the consequences of sin, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "sin of thy people Israel" that led to their defeat and exile foreshadows the universal human condition of sin and separation from God, which demands a greater forgiveness and a more complete restoration. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering the ultimate sacrifice that fully atones for our transgressions, something the Temple sacrifices could only temporarily cover. Through His atoning work, we receive not just pardon, but a new identity as a [new creation in Christ](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). The "bringing them again unto the land" is fulfilled spiritually in Christ, as He brings us back into fellowship with God, our true home. No longer bound by a physical land, believers are now part of God's spiritual kingdom, citizens of heaven, awaiting the ultimate "return" to the new heavens and new earth where God Himself will dwell with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Jesus, our great High Priest, continually intercedes for us from the heavens ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")), ensuring that God always "hears" our prayers and grants forgiveness to those who turn to Him in repentance, embodying the very heart of Solomon's ancient plea.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

Jeremiah 33:13

In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth [them], saith the LORD.

Genesis 13:15

For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Psalms 106:40

Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

Psalms 106:47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

Joshua 21:43

¶ And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

Exodus 6:8

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I [am] the LORD.